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Press Release

New York, NY, September 21, 2012 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed outrage over reports of incidents in which empty chairs were hung from trees by rope in Texas and Virginia in an apparent attempt to send a negative message about President Barack Obama.

“Each of these incidents is by itself profoundly offensive, on many levels,” said Abraham H. Foxman. “But when the imagery starts to circulate virally on the Internet, the problem is magnified. Regardless of one’s political views, the noose is widely recognized as a powerful visual symbol of hate, similar in intent and emotional impact to the swastika and the burning cross. These ‘empty chair lynching’ incidents -- now spreading virally on the Internet – are an insult to the President, to African-Americans and indeed to all Americans. They go well beyond what might be considered legitimate expression of political views. While hanging an empty chair does not constitute a crime, it is inexcusable behavior, and Americans across the political spectrum should come together to express our outrage.”

ADL is non-partisan and does not endorse or oppose candidates for office.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.